Welcome to GRES

Modelling Group Evening 27th May 2026
2026-05-27 08:00 - 20:00 UTC | Essex
GRES also has a dedicated sub-section for members who are passionate about model railways. Our focus is primarily on 00 Gauge, and we work on both personal layouts and two club layouts that we maintain collectively.
We hold meetings twice a month at our venue in Longfield, Kent, providing an opportunity for members to collaborate, share ideas, and work on layouts together. The specific meeting dates can be found here.
To become a part of the GRES Model Railway Club, you will need to have an active GRES membership as well as a subscription to the Model Railway Club.

Club Talk – Tuesday 2nd June 2026 - Roosendaal Station - Henry Harryman
2026-06-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Tuesday 2 June – Roosendaal Station – Henry Harryman
Regular meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday and the second to last Thursday of each month. Meetings start at 7.45pm at: Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB

Modelling Group Evening 11th June 2026 - Cancelled
2026-06-11 08:00 - 20:00 | Essex
This meeting has been cancelled – please do not attend

We hold meetings twice a month at our venue in Longfield, Kent, providing an opportunity for members to collaborate, share ideas, and work on layouts together. The specific meeting dates can be found here.
To become a part of the GRES Model Railway Club, you will need to have an active GRES membership as well as a subscription to the Model Railway Club.

Fleetdown Community Centre Saturday Shopping event, Dartford 13th June 2026
2026-06-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Fleetdown Community Centre, Dartford, Fleetdown Community Centre,, Swaledale Road, Dartford, DA2 6JZ, United Kingdom
GRES Will be attending this event with our Windmill Hill layout.

A friendly community shopping event bringing together local crafters, small businesses, and independent sellers for a relaxed Saturday morning market.
Event Details

Date: Saturday 13th June
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Fleetdown Community Centre, Dartford

What to Expect

Handmade crafts and unique gifts
Small business stalls
Miscellaneous sellers offering a variety of items
A welcoming community atmosphere

Why Attend

Support local creators and independent traders
Discover one-of-a-kind items
Enjoy a relaxed weekend activity with family or friends

Stall Booking
If you would like to book a table for the event, please contact:

Paula – 07891 424401

Join Us
Come along and enjoy a morning of browsing, buying, and supporting your local community.

GRES Family day 21st June 2026
2026-06-21 10:00 - 16:00 | Higham Memorial Hall, Rochester, School Lane Higham, Rochester, Kent, ME3 7JL, United Kingdom
For the second year, we are proud to announce Family Day 2026, on 21st June, 2026.
The Gravesend Railway Enthusiasts Society is proud to host our 2nd annual Family Day – a fun-filled event for all ages!
🚂 What’s on:

Model Train Layouts, Demonstrations & Displays
Model Train Sales
Train-Themed Events & Party Hosts
Play Activities for Children
Loco DCC Chip Fitting & Onsite Repairs
Windmill Hill Family-Friendly 00 Gauge Layout

…and much more!
🍩 Snacks, hot & cold drinks available to purchase🅿️ Free parking on site
Admission:
£3 per adult and up to 2 children (Under 18)
£5 Family ticket (2 Adults and up to 3 children)
Photos from Family day 2025
A Successful GRES Family Day: A Celebration of Community, Railways, and Fun – Welcome to GRES

Modelling Group Evening 24th June 2026
2026-06-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Essex

Sittingbourne & Kemsley Steam & Beer Music Festival 2026
2026-06-27 11:00 - 2026-06-28 18:00 | Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway, Sittingbourne Viaduct Station, Sittingbourne, ME10 2XD, United Kingdom
Steam & Beer Music Festival 2026 – Event Details
Event Overview
The Steam & Beer Music Festival returns for 2026 with two full days of live music, real ales, ciders, and family‑friendly fun.
Dates: 27–28 June 2026
Location: Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway – access via Sittingbourne Viaduct (ME10 2XD)

Music Line‑Up
Saturday

Steam & Beer
The Paper Castles
Forever Hallie
The LKG Trio
All the Kewl Things
Trading Places

Sunday

Beer Pressure
Others TBC

Tickets
Saturday Tickets

Adults: £15 (18+ includes free glass)
Seniors: £14 (includes free glass)
Children: £8 (Under 3s free)
SKLR Members: £6

Sunday Tickets

18+ includes free glass
Tickets available in advance or on the day

QR codes for ticket purchase are available on the poster.

Drinks & Refreshments

Real ales including Beidzy Brown
Ciders: 11am until late on Saturday
Pimms: 11am until 6pm on Sunday
Spirits available
Featured brewery: Romney Marsh Brewery – A Decade in the Making (4.5%)

Travel
Visitors can catch the train from Sittingbourne Viaduct (ME10 2XD) directly to the festival site.

Contact & Socials

Phone: 01795 424899
Website: www.sklr.net
Social: @SandKLR

Club Talk – Tuesday 7th July 2026- Memories of Britain's railways - James Willis and Jeremy Washington
2026-07-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Tuesday 7th July – Memories of Britain’s railways – James Willis and Jeremy Washington
Regular meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday and the second to last Thursday of each month. Meetings start at 7.45pm at: Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB

Modelling Group Evening 16th July 2026
2026-07-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Essex

Chatham 2026
2026-07-18 10:00 - 2026-07-19 16:00 | The Historic Dockyard Chatham, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TZ, United Kingdom
The Chatham Show 18th and 19th July 2026
Chatham & District Model Railway Club Layouts

Modelling Group Evening 29th July 2026
2026-07-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Essex

Club Talk – Tuesday 4th August 2026 - Preserving the Ruston & Hornsby 88DS' - Graeme Gleaves
2026-08-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Preserving the Ruston & Hornsby 88DS’ – Graeme Gleaves
Regular meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday and the second to last Thursday of each month. Meetings start at 7.45pm at: Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB

Modelling Group Evening 13th August 2026
2026-08-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Essex

Southwark and District MRC Exhibition and Summer Fete 2026
2026-08-22 10:00 - 17:00 | St Peter’s Church, Walworth Liverpool Grove, Walworth Road London SE17 2HH, St Peter’s Church,, Walworth Liverpool Grove, Walworth Road, London, SE17 2HH, United Kingdom
📅 Date & Time
Saturday 22nd August 2026 Open: 10:00 – 17:00
📍 Venue
St Peter’s Church, Walworth Liverpool Grove, Walworth Road London SE17 2HH
🎟️ Admission

£5 Adults
£2 Children & Concessions

🚉 Access & Transport

Event held over three levels within the church
Wheelchair access available to the ground floor Church and lower‑level Crypt Hall
Excellent public transport links via Elephant & Castle Rail & Tube
Multiple bus routes along Walworth Road
Some refreshments available on site

⭐ What You’ll Find

Lots of amazing model railway layouts across different scales
Summer Fête stalls with activities, games, and community stands
Friendly club members on hand to chat, demonstrate, and guide
A welcoming atmosphere for families, newcomers, and seasoned modellers

Modelling Group Evening 26th August 2026
2026-08-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Essex

Club Talk – Tuesday 1st September 2026 - 'Preserving The Medway Queen' - Mark Bathurst
2026-09-01 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
‘Preserving The Medway Queen’ – Mark Bathurst

Regular meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday and the second to last Thursday of each month. Meetings start at 7.45pm at: Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB

GRES Annual Outing – Mid‑Hants Railway (Watercress Line)
2026-09-05 08:00 - 19:30 | Essex
Saturday 5th September
Overview
Thank you to all members who have already booked to attend the GRES (Tom Fletcher) Annual Outing to the Mid‑Hants Railway, also known as the Watercress Line. Based on the responses received, the arrangements for the day have now been confirmed.

Travel Arrangements
Coach Travel
The vast majority of members expressed a preference to meet at our usual meeting point and travel together by coach. As a result:

We will depart from St Paul’s Church, Singlewell. DA11 7RE
A luxury 53‑seat coach (with toilet) has been booked.
Due to this arrangement, rail travel will not be offered.

Timings

07:45 – Arrival at St Paul’s Church, Singlewell DA11 7RE
08:00 – Prompt departure
Comfort stop en route
10:30 – Arrival at Alresford Station (Watercress Line)

Return journey:

16:30–17:00 – Departure from Alresford Station
Comfort stop en route
19:15–19:30 – Arrival back at St Paul’s Church, Singlewell DA11 7RE

Food Arrangements
Most members indicated they did not require a main meal. Attendees are therefore welcome to make their own arrangements for food during the visit.

Costs
GRES is pleased to cover much of the cost of hiring the coach. Attendees will pay a special group rate to GRES:

£30 for adults
£14 for under‑16s

This includes:

Entry to the Watercress Line
A contribution towards the coach hire

Booking Information
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Booking (dietary requirements,

Your Email AddressContact Phone NumberNumber of Adults012345678910Number of Children012345678910Booking Notes (dietary requirements, accessibility needs, or anything else)Submit Booking
Bookings are now open. Members are welcome to bring friends and family, including children under 16.
Payment
Payments should be made to GRES:

Bank transfer: Ask for details
Reference: GRES Outing 2026
Cash or cheque: Accepted at any GRES meeting.

We Look Forward to Seeing You
This promises to be an enjoyable day out on one of the country’s most charming heritage railways. We hope you can join us for a relaxed and sociable outing.

Modelling Group Evening 10th September 2025
2026-09-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Essex

2026 AGM (members only)
2026-09-17 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Thursday 17 Sept – AGM (members only)
Regular meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday and the second to last Thursday of each month. Meetings start at 7.45pm at: Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB

Spa Valley 2026
2026-09-19 10:00 - 2026-09-20 16:00 | Essex
Spa Valley Railway model railway weekend
19/20 September 2026
Tunbridge Wells West Station
Message from Spa valley:

We’re hosting our big and popular Model Railway Show in September (a smaller show is taking place in March 2026), featuring a gathering of model railways in a variety of scales, including N, OO, O, OO9, S, and other gauges. Come along to see layouts at Tunbridge Wells West, Groombridge & Eridge with trade stands, too! This event is fun for the whole family; with so much to do, it is a must-attend show in the area. Families can take part in our model railway hunt with a chance to win a prize!
Our engine shed at Tunbridge Wells West will be filled with layouts, with additional selections available at Groombridge, Eridge, and, on board the trains too!
The show is open from 10:00 to 17:00 on Saturday, 19th September, and Sunday, 20th September 2026.
Entry tickets can be purchased on the day of the event or online. Prices are shown below.
We expect at least 30 layouts and 10 trade stands to be in attendance at the 2026 show, plus a great two-train service to match using Bulleid Pacific 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’ as one of the locomotives in service!

Modelling Group Evening 23rd September 2026
2026-09-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Essex

Modelling Group Evening 15th October 2026
2026-10-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Essex

HERNE BAY Model Railway Exhibition, Saturday 24 October 2026 EKMRS
2026-10-24 10:00 - 16:00 | Herne Centre, School Lane, Herne CT6 7AP, Herne Centre, School Lane,, Herne, CT6 7AP, United Kingdom
HERNE BAY Model Railway Exhibition, Saturday 24 October 2026
Herne Centre, School Lane, Herne CT6 7AP

GRES Exhibition 24th October 2026
2026-10-24 10:00 - 16:30 | St George’s Church Hall, Church Street, Gravesend, Kent, DA11 0DJ, St George's Church Hall, Church Street, Gravesend, Kent, DA11 0DJ
GRES Exhibition 2026 – Saturday 24th October 2026
We’re excited to welcome you to the GRES Exhibition 2026, taking place on Saturday 24th October 2026. After a period of uncertainty, we’re delighted to confirm that the event now has a venue secured and planning is well underway.
This year’s exhibition will be a one‑day show, offering a compact but high‑quality selection of model railway layouts, traders, and demonstrations.

Location and opening times
Saturday 24th October 2026: 10:00 to 16:30.
Please note the change of venue from previous exhibtions:
📍 St George’s Church Hall, Church Street, Gravesend, Kent, DA11 0DJ
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A More Intimate Exhibition for 2026
For this year only, the exhibition will be held in a smaller hall than our traditional venue, giving us the opportunity to curate a focused and varied display of layouts. We’re particularly keen to feature:

Small and medium‑sized layouts
Portable or modular layouts
Creative or unusual modelling projects

Demonstrations and hands‑on activities

Whether you’re a regular visitor or new to GRES, you can expect a friendly, welcoming show with plenty to enjoy.

Outdoor Courtyard Displays
Alongside the main hall, we also have access to a courtyard area, ideal for:

Garden railway exhibits
Outdoor‑friendly layouts
Live demonstrations
Interactive displays

This additional space allows us to broaden the range of layouts on show and offer something a little different for visitors.

Exhibitors Wanted – Indoor & Outdoor
We are actively seeking smaller layouts to help us make the most of the available space. If you have a layout that would suit either the indoor hall or the outdoor courtyard, we’d love to hear from you.
📧 Contact our Exhibition Manager: exhibition.manager@gres.org.uk

Join Us in October
More details — including layout lists, traders, and visitor information — will be added as the event approaches. We look forward to welcoming you to a great one‑day show this October.

Modelling Group Evening 28th October 2026
2026-10-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Essex

Modelling Group Evening 12th November 2026
2026-11-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Essex

Modelling Group Evening 25th November 2026
2026-11-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Essex

Modelling Group Evening 10th December 2026
2026-12-10 18:00 | Essex

Hove Model Railway Exhibition 2027
2027-02-28 10:00 - 16:00 | The British Engineerium The Droveway Hove BN3 7QA, The British Engineerium, The Droveway Hove, Hove, BN3 7QA, United Kingdom
Event Overview
Join us for a brand‑new model railway exhibition at the iconic British Engineerium in Hove. Enjoy layouts, displays, demonstrations and a family‑friendly day out in a unique heritage venue.
This is the début show at this location, making it a great opportunity to explore something fresh on the South Coast’s modelling calendar.
Date & Time

Sunday 28 February 2027
10:00 – 16:00

Venue
The British Engineerium The Droveway Hove BN3 7QA

Admission

Adults: £8
Kids (5–16): £2
Families (2 adults + 3 children): £18
Under‑5s: Free

“Adults £8, Kids £2 (5–16), Families £18 (2+3), u‑5s free.”

👤 Organiser Contact
For further information, contact Promoter Dakota Dibben:

Email: info@dakotadibben.co.uk

WHITSTABLE Model Railway Exhibition 2027
2027-03-06 10:00 - 16:00 | Swalecliffe & Chestfield Community Centre 19 St John’s Road, Swalecliffe, Whitstable CT5 2QU, Swalecliffe & Chestfield Community Centre, 19 St John’s Road, Swalecliffe, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 2QU
WHITSTABLE Model Railway Exhibition 2027
Saturday 6 March 2027
Swalecliffe Community Centre, 19 St John’s Rd, Swalecliffe CT5
